Top 10: FJ Cruiser Highlights

Number 7

Maneuverability and green power

For a larger vehicle, the FJ Cruiser handles itself quite well in more urban, tight-fitting situations. We were surprised to see the ease with which it traversed busy city streets, no matter how crowded. With a turning radius of 41.8 feet, the FJ Cruiser is deceptively nimble, which is great when you think of what large 4WD vehicles usually connote on the road. Steering response was also surprising as the FJ Cruiser easily maneuvered through sticky situations without much trouble, responding well to sudden wheel movements and feeling much lighter on its 17-inch steel wheels.

Equipped with a 4-liter V6, VVT-i engine, the FJ Cruiser pumps out 239 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, and despite its large size and sizable gas tank, the FJ Cruiser is also considered a Low Emission Vehicle. And if nothing else kicks your testosterone into gear, then the sound emanating from beneath the hood once you turn that key in the ignition is sure to get you going.

Number 6

Off-road capabilities

Just because it looks fancy, it doesn’t mean it can’t off-road with the best of ‘em. Built on an exceedingly rigid, yet slightly modified, Land Cruiser Prado frame, the FJ Cruiser has its roots in the right place. With such a stiff and supporting frame at its core this vehicle has the ability to withstand the rigors of any off-road surface you might plunge your FJ into. Coupled with independent front suspension, and 4-link, coil-over rear suspension the FJ’s off-road ride can and will feel as smooth as any jaunt through the smooth city streets.

Number 5

Trio of windshield wipers

It might seem a bit strange at first, but don’t be alarmed. The reason the FJ Cruiser is outfitted with three windshield wipers is strictly for functional purposes. While it is a cool, unique addition to the design, it’s also highly practical for bad weather conditions. Making sure your vision is never impaired, no matter what the elements throw at your windscreen, the FJ’s trio of wipers is another one-of-a-kind element on this SUV that makes this vehicle stand out on the road today.

Number 4

Artificial Intelligence System transmission

We’re the first to admit that an automatic transmission is anything but fun to drive. With very little control over the vehicle’s engine and the annoying habit that automatics have of never being in the right gear, driving an automatic transmission often means a dull, boring and frustrating ride. However, such is not the case with the FJ Cruiser. While you may think that a manual gear box would be the best (and should be the only) option for off-road vehicles, you’d surely change your mind once you experienced Toyota’s Artificial Intelligence System automatic transmission. This intelligent system constantly monitors the FJ’s vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle input, and brake signal to maintain the correct gear to make sure you always have a decent amount of power and throttle response necessary to make it out of any given situation.